Learn Imperium by Machine Head

Dive into the aggressive, intricate world of Imperium by Machine Head with our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. This comprehensive tutorial is designed to break down every riff, transition, and lead section of this iconic track, helping guitarists of all levels develop a wide array of advanced metal guitar techniques. Whether you're aiming to tighten your rhythm chops, boost your alternate picking accuracy, or understand the phrasing nuances of groove and thrash metal, this lesson is an invaluable resource. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Imperium is the explosive opening track of Machine Head's 2003 album Through the Ashes of Empires. It is a masterclass in modern metal songwriting and guitar performance, blending ferocious aggression with melodic sensibility. The song’s structure showcases tight rhythm work, blistering down-picking, dynamic tempo changes, and lead passages that command both speed and precision. It’s a tour-de-force of tone, control, and stamina.

About the Guitarists

The driving guitar force behind Imperium is Robb Flynn, Machine Head’s founder, vocalist, and rhythm guitarist, along with guitarist Phil Demmel, who later joined the band officially after this record was released. Robb Flynn’s playing is a fusion of raw groove metal energy and technical finesse, with an ear for emotionally resonant phrasing even in the heaviest of contexts. His influence can be heard in countless modern metal bands who strive to balance complexity with groove. Demmel’s lead work complements Flynn’s rhythmic foundation with melodic precision and aggressive flair, making the guitar partnership in this song especially potent.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Palm Muting

The chug-heavy riffs in Imperium rely on tight, controlled palm muting to deliver a punchy, percussive tone. This technique is essential for adding rhythmic clarity and dynamic variation in heavy riffing.

Alternate Picking

Many of the song’s faster passages demand precision and speed, making it an ideal showcase for alternate picking. Practicing this technique will help improve your efficiency and stamina in high-tempo settings.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the track, both hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create fluid, legato lines. These are vital for seamless phrasing and quick transitions across notes.

Pinched Harmonics

To add texture and excitement, Flynn often injects pinched harmonics into riff sections. Learning to control this technique gives players the ability to add aggressive, squealing accents to their lines.

Trills

Some of the song’s most intense lead sections incorporate rapid trills, which enhance tension and emphasise phrasing in solo segments.

Power Chords

As with much of Machine Head’s catalogue, Imperium makes heavy use of power chords, foundational for any metal guitarist. These drive the song's relentless riffs and provide a platform for rhythmic exploration.

Tremolo Picking

In several transitional sections, tremolo picking is used to build energy and aggression. Mastering this technique will improve speed and tone consistency during sustained rapid picking.

Vibrato

Expressive vibrato is used to add personality to longer notes, particularly in the lead lines. Developing good vibrato will enhance your ability to convey emotion through your playing.

Slides

Subtle and aggressive slides are used throughout Imperium to create fluid transitions and dynamic motion between notes or chords.

String Bending

A staple of lead phrasing, string bending appears in solo segments, contributing a vocal-like, expressive quality. It's crucial for conveying intensity in metal solos.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique in Imperium provides a critical skill set for aspiring metal guitarists:

• Palm muting refines control and articulation in riffing.
• Alternate picking increases precision and endurance.
• Hammer-ons/pull-offs improve finger strength and speed.
• Pinched harmonics allow players to inject character into their tone.
• Trills challenge timing and dexterity.
• Power chords are essential building blocks of metal rhythm playing.
• Tremolo picking builds speed and intensity.
• Vibrato and bending enhance expression and feel.
• Slides add fluidity to your phrasing.

By mastering these within the context of a real, professionally produced song, you’ll gain not only the technical ability but also the musical context in which to apply them.

Technique List

Below is a list of all the guitar techniques featured in our Imperium guitar lesson:

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Power Chords
• Tremolo Picking
• Vibrato
• Slides
• String Bending

Unlock the full potential of your metal guitar playing with this deep dive into Machine Head's Imperium – only at Licklibrary.com.